It is easier to answer the question: What is the meaning of life?!!
Even though a thousand people get a Diploma of Remedial Massage each year and Health Funds give rebates for Remedial Massage, no one has been able to define it to me.
To me, Remedial Massage is about relieving aches, pains and headaches. It is targetted and focussed and may use a variety of techniques such as craniosacral therapy, trigger point therapy, PNF Stretching etc.
Massage therapy, on the other hand, is less specific, generally is a full body massage, and is more of a maintenance, feel good massage which is good for the muscles, promotes lymphatic drainage and relaxation and reduces stress. Remedial massage requires considerably more skill and knowledge than massage therapy, so I am not a big fan of being called a massage therapist!!!
From www.healthdirect.gov.au › remedial-massage we have the definition:
'Remedial massage is a complementary therapy which aims to treat muscles that are damaged, knotted, tense or immobile. It is useful for a number of problems that affect the muscles, tendons and bones.' And the role of the Remedial Massage Therapist: 'A remedial massage therapist uses their knowledge of the body and of massage techniques to find the source of your muscle pain and treat it effectively. Their role is not simply to deliver massage, but to investigate the origin of their patient's problem and use remedial massage to help correct it.'
Another good explanation of Remedial Massage, including the history of massage, the applications Remedial Massage is useful for and the techniques it uses can be found here:
https://www.australiannaturaltherapistsassociation.com.au/Public/ANTA_Therapies/RemedialTherapy.aspx
Here is the explanation of remedial massage according to naturaltherapies.com.au
"Remedial massage is the systematic assessment and treatment of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues of the body to assist in rehabilitation, pain and injury management.
It is performed to create favourable conditions for the body to return to normal health after injury and is defined by the premise that the treatment can reasonably reverse certain physical effects a patient may be presenting. If a patient has suffered a moderate injury resulting in structural pain and/or loss of function, loss of function, then remediation is required to reduce or eliminate pain and restore that function. Remedial massage is designed to balance muscle/soft tissue length, tension, tone which will in turn promote the return to normal joint/capsular/bone position; increase the flow of blood and lymph, particularly in the injured areas, thus removing blockages, damaged cells, scar tissue and adhesions resulting from injury."
A remedial therapist must have knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology to determine where to treat patients. Their services must be based on best practice principles and before any remedial massage treatment begins, a thorough patient consultation and assessment is to be performed to ascertain the patient's current health status. If the patient is suitable for remedial massage and relying on the patient's feedback to identify the areas that require attention, the therapist can then apply the relevant and appropriate treatment.
In order to offer health fund rebates you must be a member of a professional organisation with a code of conduct. There are two main professional associations. I am a member of AAMT, Australian Association of Massage Therapists. I have three diplomas in Remedial Massage.
>It means that I can swipe cards of all health funds, including the ADF Family Health Card so you just pay the gap fee. Not available for mobile service.
'The basic philosophy of massage therapy embraces the concept of "vis Medicatrix naturae", which means "aiding the ability of the body to heal itself." ... Effective massage therapists ascertain each person's needs and then use the techniques that will best meet those needs. It involves treating the Whole Person (Tolle totum).
Here are some definitions:
'Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, consisting primarily of manual (hands-on) techniques such as applying fixed or movable pressure, holding,
and moving muscles and body tissues.'
From www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au:
'Massage therapy (including myotherapy) is the practice of kneading or manipulating a person's muscles and other soft-tissue in order to improve their wellbeing or health.
It is a form of manual therapy that includes holding, moving, and applying pressure to the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia.
Relaxation massage, such as Swedish Massage, has many benefits, but does not address issues of aches, pains, headaches etc. The benefits of relaxation massage include:
Lowers blood pressure – at least for a while
Improves peripheral circulation
Improves skin tone and appearance
Improves gastrointestinal motility (bowel movements will become more regular)
Reduces muscle tension such as the relief of muscle tension headaches
Relieves any stress-related symptoms. This can include providing a boost to the immune system after undergoing regular treatments